The United Arab Emirates has become a major economic partner in Francophone Africa, complementing traditional actors rather than displacing them. Over the past decade the UAE has invested more than $110 billion across the continent, with a particular focus on Francophone West and Central Africa. This shift aligns with a broader trend of diversification, as governments in the region seek to broaden their strategic alliances.
In Côte d’Ivoire, the UAE is now a preferred partner for both public authorities and private‑sector actors. The country aims to raise the share of renewable energy in its electricity mix to 45 % by 2030, and UAE‑based AMEA Power is investing in solar projects, including the $81.8 million Boundiali solar plant. Political dialogue has also deepened: Prime Minister Robert Mambe Beugre secured $50 million from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development and concluded an agreement to build low‑cost homes and social‑housing units.
Senegal and Togo have similarly strengthened their ties with the UAE through substantial infrastructure and renewable‑energy investments. In Senegal, DP World is leading the Ndayane Port development, one of the country’s largest infrastructure projects. In Togo, the Sheikh Mohamed Bin Zayed solar plant now supplies electricity to more than 158 000 households.
In Central Africa, Chad has emerged as a focal point of Emirati engagement. The UAE approved a $500 million loan from the Abu Dhabi Fund for Development, and AMEA Power is developing two solar projects expected to generate between 36 and 60 MW and 120 MW, respectively. The UAE’s involvement also extends to the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Emirati companies have invested in critical minerals, including a $1.9 billion agreement with state‑owned Sakima to develop four deposits in South Kivu and Maniema.
These developments illustrate how political dialogue, targeted investments, and expanding private‑sector initiatives are reshaping economic partnerships in Francophone Africa. As regional strategies evolve, the scope and depth of these engagements will continue to influence economic trajectories and the balance of partnerships across the region. With UAE investments aligned with national priorities of modernization, diversification, and long‑term economic resilience, the region is poised for significant growth and development in the coming years.
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